Did you purchase a second-hand iPhone or iPad from either a friend or an online re-seller like eBay and are now unable to unlock it? This happens a lot and it can be quite frustrating especially when the person who sold the device to you will not provide you with any information to unlock it. But worry not! This article will show you a few simple ways to unlock the device so you can use it even it is running iOS 12.

What Does iCloud Lock Mean?

Before we can fix the problem, it is important to understand what it is. In 2014, Apple introduced what is called "iCloud Activation Lock." This means that your device is now locked to your personal iCloud account and can only be accessible by entering the Apple ID and password associated with that account. This essentially means that unless you know the device's login details, it is useless to you. The good news is, there are ways to unlock the device.

1. Let the Previous Owner Turn off Find My iPhone Activation Lock

It is possible to remove the activation lock on the iPhone and proceed to use it by contacting the previous owner and asking them to turn off Find My iPhone activation lock. First you need to determine whether the device is erased or not. If you turn it on and see the passcode lock screen or the home screen, the device hasn't been erased.

If the Device Is Erased

If you have reached out the previous owner, they can remove the iCloud lock by following this simple steps.

Step 2: Go to "Find iPhone" and then select "All Devices" to open a list of devices linked to their account. Then select the device they are removing and then click "Erase iPhone ." You will then be able to set up the device as new.

If the Device Isn't Erased

If the device isn't erased yet, it's better to have the previous owner present, because it will be required to entering the Apple ID and password during the following process.

If the iOS device has iOS 9 or earlier, the owner has to sign out of iCloud before erasing the device. They can erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Contents and Settings.

2. Bypass iCloud Activation Through OffiialiPhoneUnlock.co.uk

If you are unable to contact the device's previous owner to get their Apple ID and password, you can try to bypass the iCloud activation using online unlock service like OffiialiPhoneUnlock.co.uk. This website is designed to allow users to remove the iCloud lock. Here's how.

Step 1: Head on over to https://www.officialiphoneunlock.co.uk/ and click on "iCloud Unlock".

Step 2: Select the model of your device and enter the IMEI/Serial number of your device.

Step 3: Click "Add to cart" button and Make payment. Wait for the device to be unlocked.

3. Fix Various iOS Issues Using 3rd-Party Software

If you have met some iOS issues such as iPhone stuck on black screen, recovery mode, expecially the problem after iOS 12 update or unsuccessful iOS 12 update, you can try a 3rd-party software to fix the problem. iMyFone iOS System recovery is designed to allow users to fix various iOS issues they may be having with their device.

Step 1: Download and Install the program to your computer. Connect your phone to the computer and choose Standard mode from the 3 modes.

Step 2: Put your phone into DFU or Recovery mode to get it detected by the program. Once iMyFone iOS System Recovery recognizes the device, it will proceed to next step.

Step 3: You may need to download the latest firmware to fix the device. Click on "Download" to allow the program to do this and then simply wait for the program to complete the download process.

Step 4: Once the download is complete, click "Start to Fix". The program will begin fixing the device. The device should restart once the process is finished. You should now be able to use the device after this.